Wow! And that still doesn't describe how wonderful A Promise for Miriam turned out to be. Vannetta did an awesome job pulling me into the lives of Miriam, Gabe, and Grace. I lived with them for a whole day--the amount of time it took me to read the book--and loved every minute of it. I especially loved the ending, so unexpected, but no spoilers here, so you'll have to read it to find out. :)

***I received this book free from the publisher/author for the purposes of review. The above is my honest opinion***

A completely enjoyable read, with wonderfully realistic and believable situations, and characters.

Wow! This was in my mind the perfect vacation read, charming, with a touch of humor, yet with a realness to it that drew me in. I absolutely loved the characters, and thought that they were well built. I especially liked how in this Amish Romance I got to see things from Gabe's daughter, Grace's prospective too! Which was different in an enjoyably refreshing way. This is the kind of book that I was able to relax with, yet couldn't put down for too long, thus the perfect vacation read :)

I liked how in this novel the relationship between Gabe and Miriam developed naturally and at its own pace, out of a friendship. And how all of the characters had a good head on their shoulders.

There were also other elements to the story that added a sense of realness to it, like how the Amish might feel about all the tourists dropping by and such. The setting was well developed as well.

Overall, this was a completely lovely book, that was highly enjoyable, with lovely characters and setting. I also loved the author's sense of humor, which was easy, like not trying too hard, yet there were a few moments that were laugh-out-loud hilarious :D A book that I happily highly recommend.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I HAVE READ 3 OF VANNETTA CHAPMAN'S , AND I CAN'T PUT INTO WORDS HOW MUCH I ENJOYED THEM ALL. THEY ARE NOT JUST LOVE STORIES' , I ESPECIALLY LIKED THE MYSTERIES . IF YOU DON'T READ VANNATTA C.'S BOOKS YOU ARE MISSING OUT,THEY ARE GREAT !!!

Vannetta Chapman has published more than 100 articles in Christian family magazines. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. Vannetta is a multi-award-winning member of Romance Writers of America. She was a teacher for 15 years and currently resides in the Texas Hill country. Her first two inspirational novels--A Simple Amish Christmas and Falling to Pieces--were Christian Book Distributors bestsellers.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Amish schoolteacher Miriam King loves her students. At 26, she hasn't yet met anyone who can convince her to give up the Plain school at Pebble Creek. Then newcomer Gabriel Yoder steps into her life, bringing his daughter, an air of mystery, and challenges Miriam has never faced before.

MY REVIEW:

Book 1, The Pebble Creek Amish Series

I can identify with our youngest protagonist, Miss Grace. My mother died when I was five, the month before I was six. I was born 50 miles away from Cashton.

This story is a story of Grace. God's Grace. How He divinely sets us where we are to be. Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Gabe Miller moves with his young daughter, Grace, from Indiana to Wisconsin following the death of his wife to a dilapidated farm, matching his dilapidated heart. He refuses help in restoring it and sets out to do it alone. Closed off in pain, he remains, until he must request help. The warmth that follows melts his isolated heart and healing begins for both of them.

I really liked the interaction between Miriam King and Esther Schrocks, the two school teachers who teach together at the one-room schoolhouse. How interesting that they are housed together there on a second floor and not with a family in the district. My dad and stepmother taught in country schools in Wisconsin before my time. My dad said he taught one of his brothers, and my stepmother said she needed to start her own woodstove in the mornings before the students came. They each taught alone. Miriam teaches the younger children and Esther teaches the older children. I think this would be fascinating and I liked how the older students helped the younger ones. They would learn from each other, hearing them recite their lessons too. One drawback for the teachers would be living and working in the same building, however not so different from a storefront business. They did go to their families on the weekends.

I like how the community stepped in to help each other and it is the story of families embracing each other. It is very well written and the story easily flows. There is conflict that is overcome by being worked through instead of ignored. Our lives really do touch each other. I liked the wisdom of Gabe as he grows within the community and is willing to function within positions he is entrusted with. From a closed position to giving and receiving, everyone is benefited. Miriam finds out her strengths and weaknesses when she comes up against heart awakenings! Her mother and father are so loving and caring in the ways they live out their lives by example. I look forward to Book 2: A Home for Lydia.

Amish romance at its best! Miriam King is 26 and should have married a long time ago, as most Amish woman do. She loves being a teacher, and the children love her. Aden Schmucker wants her to marry him..and so does his father! New in Pebble Creek WI are Gabriel Miller and his daughter Grace. He is a widower of three years, and little Grace has not spoken since her Mom died. When a near tragedy happens to Gabe, the Amish community rallies around him...bringing him out of his shell.

You will love how God has his hand on these people, showing them the right way! When a new change is about to happen in their loving community, the people put aside some of fears, and stand up for themselves. This has such a surprising end, and you won't be able to put down this very quick read!

I received this book from First Wild Card Tours and Harvest House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.